In November 1992, I was part of a Sister City delegation representing the
City of Torrance, California that visited our Sister City, Kashiwa, located in the Chiba
Prefecture, not far from Tokyo, Japan. As part of this wonderful cultural learning
experience, a tree was planted to honor our 20-year celebration and to serve as a memorial
to our visit and to the relationship between the two Sister Cities.
The City of Kashiwa, Japan Honored Our Visit With A Memorial Tree
You can see me, smiling broadly, in the photo to the left of the memorial post. The Mayors
of both Kashiwa and Torrance, California are pictured on the right of the sign.
Everyone in both delegations was privileged to have an opportunity to shovel dirt around
the tree, connecting each of us to the visit and strengthening the experience. Just as our
"living memorials" SM help to tell the story of a person’s life, and to
connect and strengthen an appreciation for the value of that person’s life and their
contributions to their family and to society at large.
Tree Plantings Are Positive Ways To Memorialize A Loved One
Today, families are often memorializing their loved ones by the planting of a memorial
tree, perhaps in a national park, a school yard or a playground. I think this is a good
practice that should be encouraged. Each person that visits the site will be able to see a
living tribute to a loved one.
In November 1992, I was part of a Sister City delegation representing the
City of Torrance, California that visited our Sister City, Kashiwa, located in the Chiba
Prefecture, not far from Tokyo, Japan. As part of this wonderful cultural learning
experience, a tree was planted to honor our 20-year celebration and to serve as a memorial
to our visit and to the relationship between the two Sister Cities.